TACOMA, US — Phil Mickelson reached the turn in three-under 32 to take the early first round lead in the US Open at Chambers Bay Thursday. ?The 45-year-old American, seeking a first US Open title after a record six runner-up finishes, had birdies at the third, fifth and eighth to state his case.
?On two-under after a handful of holes were was Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, Americans Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed as well as Marc Warren of Scotland and Swede Henrik Stenson.
?World No. 1 and tournament favorite Rory McIlroy set out in search of his fifth major title from the 10th and he birdied his second hole. ?But he ran into bunker trouble at the 14th and then missed a four-footer for par at the next to drop to one over. ?Masters champion Jordan Spieth and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods both had mid-afternoon tea times.
Spieth will be seeking his second major crown after clinching his first in sensational fashion at the Masters in April when he completed a wire-to-wire victory by four shots to match Tiger Woods's tournament record low for 72 holes.?
Local PGA Tour professional Michael Putnam struck the first shot on the par-four opening hole and England's Jason Palmer began proceedings at the par-four 10th to launch the first US.
?In keeping with tradition, tournament officials placed defending US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany in the same group as the reigning British Open champion and the reigning US Amateur winner.
?Kaymer teed off from the 10th hole along with McIlroy and South Korean amateur Yang Gunn. — Agencies
